Spalazen Nature

Spalazen Nature's scenic setting just over a kilometre from Palazinges is half an hour's drive from the spectacular red sandstone town of Collonges-la-Rouge, which dates back to the eighth century. Potter along the winding alleys to see stacks of swish buildings, 16th-century manor houses, the Castel du Maussa and the House of the Mermaid; the town centre is pedestrianised so is safe for sauntering. Just outside Collonges-la-Rouge is the path to the village of Saillac, two kilometres away, or you could wander the half-hour walk to Meyssac for more buildings of red stone and a busy Tuesday market. Also worth a visit is the lacemaking town of Tulle, with riverside cathedral and Museum of Traditional Arts. For hugely popular – and hugely impressive – French destinations, motor along to the Gouffre de Padirac, 40 minutes' away, and have a day at the cliffside village of Rocamadour, within 45.